15/02/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY FEB 15, 2026

Dongfeng 007 takes on BYD, Tesla

roof and powered tailgate, though equipment such as

ered by a single motor producing 268hp and 310Nm of torque, allowing a 0 100kph sprint in 5.8 seconds. Energy is supplied by a 73.48kWh LFP battery, delivering a claimed CLTC range of 650km (estimated WLTP: 490 to 550km). The all-wheel-drive Prime adds a sec ond motor at the front, boosting total out put to 536hp and 620Nm. Acceleration improves to 3.9 seconds for the 0-100kph run, while range drops to a claimed 565km on the CLTC cycle (estimated WLTP: 425 to 480km). DC fast charging is supported at up to 200kW, enabling a 30 to 80% charge in 16 minutes, while AC charging is capped at 6.6kW. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is also included. Styling features include frameless win dows, flush pop-out door handles, split LED headlights and full-width rear light ing. The Premium rides on 18-inch wheels, while the Prime upgrades to 19

THE Dongfeng 007 electric sedan has been launched in Malaysia. The five-door EV takes aim at rivals such as the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. As a fully imported (CBU) model launched after the end of EV tax exemp tions, the Dongfeng 007 is priced at RM169,888 for the rear-wheel-drive Premium and RM195,888 for the dual motor all-wheel-drive Prime. An RM 8,888 launch rebate reduces prices to RM 161,000 and RM 187,000 respectively. On-the-road pricing stands at RM 161,960 for the Premium and RM 188,715 for the Prime, excluding insurance. Buyers also receive an ABB wallbox charger as part of the launch package. Size wise, the Dongfeng 007 measures 4,880mm long, 1,895mm wide and 1,476mm tall, with a 2,915mm wheelbase. Compared to the BYD Seal, it is longer, wider and taller, though with a slightly shorter wheelbase. The rear-wheel-drive Premium is pow

s i ng l e - zone auto

matic cli mate con trol and tilt-only s t e e r i n g adjustment stand out in this seg ment. Boot capacity is rated at 452 litres, supplemented by a small front trunk. Safety systems include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise con trol with stop-and-go, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with auto braking, rear collision warning and door opening warning. The Prime additionally gains a driver monitor ing system.

inch dual-tone alloys with red brake

calliper covers. Unlike China, export markets do not receive scissor doors or an active rear spoiler.

Inside, the 007 features an 8.8-inch digital instrument display and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is handled by a 19-speaker sys tem with Wanos surround sound. Front seats are powered and ventilated, with memory for the driver. Other features include a panoramic

Rally DNA Mitsubishi Xforce hoping to put one over the competition

MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA (MMM) will be hoping that the new 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce will replicate the success of the ASX as it re-enters the SUV market. Bookings are now open for the locally assembled (CKD) B-segment SUV. It comes in two variants, the Mitsubishi Xforce 1.5L Urban that starts at RM110,000 and the flagship Mitsubishi Xforce 1.5L Ultimate that begins at RM120,000. Not only will the first 1,000 custom ers receive a RM5,000 cash rebate, they will be entered into a “Buy 1 Free 1” contest. Additionally, existing Mitsubishi owners will get an extra RM1,000 rebate as well. The Xforce will have some heavy competition in a saturated B-segment against the likes of the Honda HR-V, Proton X50 and Chery Tiggo Cross. Under the hood of the Xforce is a 1.5-litre 4A91 Mivec 4-cylinder engine, the very same in the popular

matic air-conditioning, integrated front dash-cam, four airbags, cruise control, Lance Change Assist, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Step up the Ultimate and the fea tures climb significantly with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, an eight-speaker Yamaha audio system, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, powered tailgate, a purifier for the air conditioning, drive modes (Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud), a wireless charger, integrated rear dashcam and white weave on the dashboard paired with mocha accents. On the safety front, the Ultimate is fitted with six airbags, Front Collision Mitigation, Lead Car Departure Notification, Auto High Beam, adaptive cruise control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. MMM aims to produce 800 units a month in Pekan and deliveries are scheduled for April this year.

While looks may be subjective, that is to not say it is barren in the equip ment corner. The Xforce is equipped well and can even lay claim to possess ing some rally-bred DNA in its han dling genes. Active Yaw Control (AYC) is pioneered by Mitsubishi during its glorious rallying days and debuted in the Mitsubishi Evo. Here, it is adapted to apply individual brakes on the driven wheels to direct more torque to the outside rear wheel and reduce understeer. Both variants have an extensive standard equipment list that includes 18-inch wheels, an electric parking brake, a 360° camera, a centre armrest with built-in cooler, reclinable rear seats and that rally-bred Mitsubishi AYC. The entry-level Urban trim is equipped with an 8.0-inch infotain ment touchscreen, six-speaker audio system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone auto

Mitsubishi Xpander. While it might not pack quite an xforce (pun intended) with 105PS and 141Nm of torque, it is proven to be a bombproof, reliable powerplant. No 4-speed automatic like the Xpander here though, the Xforce gets a newer CVT-type automatic that drives the front wheels. The powertrain is quoted to return 17.9km/litre (5.6-litre/100km) on the Malaysian Driving Cycle that is similar to the NEDC. Despite being longer than the HR-V and X50, the Mitsubishi still manages a decent 5.2m turning radius for excellent manoeuvrability. On paper, the Xforce does seem like it lacks the right tools for the job. No fancy turbocharged or hybrid engines nor does it have an extensive equip ment list. However, the simplicity could very well work in its favour. And then there is its look. The Xforce has an aggressive appearance and dare we say, looks the best among its peers.